Whitehead acknowledged the Raiders have been inconsistent this year but backed them to return to their best against the Tigers this week.

"They've been playing some good rugby this year and we know it’s going to be a tough test, but we know we’re capable of getting the points up there and we need them two points," Whitehead said.

"I’m feeling confident... we’ve let ourselves down in a few games this year but hopefully we can fix them errors up and get the win."

Joey Leilua has been named but must pass a concussion test, while second-rower Joe Tapine returns from suspension to replace prop Charlie Gubb who is serving a one-week ban.

Whitehead has been named in England's squad to face New Zealand in Denver on Saturday week and will fly to the USA on Monday.

"It's always good to get the phone call to represent your county and I'm looking forward to going over and getting among the boys again," Whitehead said.

"I think it's good to be playing in Denver, it gives us the chance to go over there and show America our game and what we can do and hopefully we have a good game and they buy into it."

Whitehead won't face his Raiders teammate Jordan Rapana after the Kiwi international was ruled out for eight weeks on Monday.

The match will coincide the with the State of Origin bye round and Whitehead said he was looking forward to playing Test matches in June for years to come.

"We don't get to play Origin so I think as an international team we need this midseason Test and it's locked in for the next few years, so hopefully it goes well and we keep building it up," Whitehead said.